Sewing for a baby is one of the easiest things. Make a set of burp cloths, a simple receiving blanket, embellish a onesie.

It took me a while to realize, you don’t have to settle for what you see in the store. You can make almost anything. And this was one of those “duh“ moments when I discovered (after both kids had graduated from a crib) that you can make your own crib sheets! At least Owen’s still in a Toddler bed so he can reap the rewards.

The concept is simple. To make this tutorial, I just cut up an old crib sheet and went from there. Here are the details, so that you can make your own…….

Crib sheets don’t need to be plain and white.And if they’re for a boy, you don’t have to settle for teddy bears and baby rattle prints. Think outside of the box!Make your baby crib or toddler bed more exciting by creating your own sheets! This is a great project for any level of sewer, especially a beginner.Okay, let’s get started! If you prefer, check out our VIDEO Version of the project by clicking Play below:

* Cut out a rectangle that’s: 45 x 67 inches (114.5 x 171 cm)* Fold that into fourths (fold it in half and in half) and cut an 8 x 8 in (20.5 x 20.5 cm) square out of the corners, so that your fabric looks like this:Another way to do this (if you’re making multiple sheets), is to cut out a pattern piece that’s 1/4 the size of your sheet. It looks like this (or the state of Utah):Then before cutting anything out, you can fold your fabric into fourths, lay that on top, and easily cut it out.

Okay, with your fabric cut, let’s start sewing.

* Take the two sides of one corner and bring right sides together. Pin them and sew down the side. This is creating a “pocket” of sorts, to go around the corners of the mattress. Do this to all four corners of the sheet:* Serge the seams, zigzag or leave the seams raw.

* Serge around the entire outside of the sheet. This makes is easy to create a casing for the elastic. If you don’t have a serger, just iron your fabric over 1/4 inch all the way around and then continue to the next step….

* Iron under the entire edge of the sheet. You are creating a casing, to string very skinny elastic through.* Sew down the casing. You don’t need to pin around the entire sheet before you sew (that takes too long) but DO pin a start and stop point so that you leave an opening to get the elastic In and Out. Start sewing from the START point, all the way around the STOP point:* Insert the elastic. Taking your 1/4 inch wide elastic, attach a safety pin to one end, and pin the other end to the sheet. Start stringing it through the casing, all the way around till it comes out the other side:* Overlap the ends and sew them together a few times with a zigzag stitch:* Then sew your casing closed.And you’re done!Try it on!And then make them in all sorts of colors:Because even boys like options, right?Sleep tight, little babe.

This was posted over three years ago, but to help others with this question, basically the surface of the mattress would be whatever the dimension are minus the 8″ edge sections in all directions. For example, the pattern is 67″ by 45″. If you subtract 8″ from EACH edge (the remaining edges after the 8″ cutouts), then the top dimensions would be approximately 51″ by 29″ (67 – 16) and (45 – 16).

With the corner/surface curve, there is some room for variation, but it should work beautifully with the 52″ by 28″ mattress. The 8″ overhang, give or take, will provide coverage for a 5″ thickness, small casing, and maybe a couple inches to spare on the bottom. Ultimately, the elastic will hold it on, however. If the mattress is extra thick and there is no spare fabric at the selvedges, you could always add a contrasting band for the casing. Just a thought.

I know this is an older post, but I just had to share that I did it! I MADE a crib sheet for our third child (who will be making an appearance VERY soon). I am VERY new to sewing and have been determined to make handmade things for our baby boy. Oh and we are living in Madrid, Spain right now, which is quite an experience. Anyway, I love this tutorial better than the one I paid for and it worked fabulously the FIRST time! (Probably thanks to your cutting a straight line tips…thanks for that too!)

I don’t know if you figured your question out, but if not, that’s an easy adjustment. If your mattress is extra thick, simply add 2″ to each side, so 4″ wider and 4″ longer. You would also cut your corner pieces 10″ instead of 8″.

It’s a Jenny Lind crib – they have been making the same make/model for at least 30+ years my husband had one when he was a baby and we bought a new one when my daughter was born 5 years ago. Problem is, it’s drop side and since those can no longer be sold I don’t know if you can still buy them. But the crib itself is Jenny Lind – new they come in a wood finish and white. Good luck!

This sounds crazy, but I think I’m going to alter this to accommodate my california king, 22″ think mattress that we currently just put a flat sheet on and have to fix daily and ends up not covering half the mattress by morning. Unfortunately to buy the actual size sheet to fit is so expensive and we are in a pretty bad situation financially right now, SO I was actually planning on making one and just “winging it” but your tutorial for the crib sheet will help me out in making my sheet IMMENSELY!! Thank you!

Walmart has Cheap Flat Sheet from twin to King. You could sew 2 of those together for a very inexpensive fitted sheet. I would add material for the sides and use a king flat for the top. Hope you can get one made for your bed.

I was in situations such as this when my son was a baby. When we would visit pelope out of town. We made a nest for him on the floor. I have always been far too nervous to take the risk.I live in Wisconsin. The 8th case this year of an infant co-sleeping death just happened last week.

Hi Stephanie.. I have found sheets at garage sales and thrift stores that were barely used and I washed up in hot water.. Just thought I would throw that out there.. I am a single mom so I know financial struggles trust me.. 🙂

Love this… thank you. I have made all my own crib bedding for my third baby and I had soo many crib sheets I hated to make a sheet too… BUT… how easy do u make this? I bought my fabric and going to throw this together today.. so excited to see it completed.

My down fall though I probably could have bought 2my sheets for the price I paid for the material I WANTED…. this was my bad though for the fabric I picked. Last baby and she deserves it. 🙂

Stephanie …. why not just add a few inches to the edge of your existing sheets? Save u buying all the fabric.

I love the idea about adding a few inches of fabric to the edge of existing sheets! I have a VERY thick memory foam mattress, and am constantly frustrated by the elastic popping off. I may just try to cut the edge of the surface on a good pair of sheets, add maybe a 3 or 4 inch band, and sew the fitted edge pieces right back on. Great idea!

Love your tutorial! I am wondering how much elastic did you use? Measuring how much elastic to use always confuses me, so for a standard crib mattress sheet, how long of a piece would I need? Thank you!!!

Just a little tip (that I learned the hard way) — if you’re using a standard quilting cotton, make sure you measure the width before you cut off the selvedges.

I made two sheets for my sister’s new baby and, out of habit, immediately cut the selvedges off the first one only to find that it was not as wide as I assumed it was. If I remember right, I think it was maybe 42″ with selvedges. Oops. On the second one I just left the selvedges on. There wasn’t a whole lot of overhang under the mattress, but it was enough to work.

I made a crib sheet and quilt set for my grandaughter (top sheet and pillowcase for when she moves to the toddler bed) and now my daughter shows me Dana’s tutorial to help make it easier. I figured it out by borrowing a crib sheet. I was concerned that the 45 inch width of fabric wouldn’t be enough for a depth that would keep the sheet on the mattress of an active child. I just added 3 more inches of fabric to each side and made the length 5 inches longer than Dana’s (1/2 inch seam allowance). That worked out great. You don’t even have to use the same fabric because it won’t show.

It’s just so funny that you posted this seeing how yesterday, I was just thinking about how I might sew my own crib sheets for my future babes some day, hopefully in the not too distant future. ( : Thank you so much for your genius. The end.

What a sexist, and wrong, comment to say that boy baby should not have bears on his sheets! First, who deemed bears as gender-specific? Secondly, like a baby would know what is on his or her sheets? Most of us want to save $…sheets we had for girls work for boys and vice versa. Really, your statement is ridiculous.

Really? This is about an awesome crib sheet tutorial and you get offended by a simple comment. It is just an opinion on someone’s personal blog. People are way too easily offended these days. Patty, your statement is ridiculous.

The tutorial is great. I’ve made three crib sheets using the tips and techniques. The photos are stunning (as always!) I thought the editorializing about bears being inappropriate for boys’ bedding to be odd. But then, I call my baby boy Charley-bear, so I’m probably setting him up for a lifetime of expensive therapy.

I agree with future mom I’m going to be grandma here soon and my daughter wanted bears the first thing I thought was no bear sheets think of all the material out there so many I have butterflies moose, deer john deer, fish lots of color It was funny when I found your web site no bears it just confirms my material even going to show my daughter no bears sheets and the funny part we don’t even know what the sex is. we come from a family of fishing women even daughter. so what ever comes it will have sheets with lots of color the tutorial is great I don’t know why I didn’t go to the computer first would have saved me the hole day of taking the first one apart darn let me see what else You have no bears

CHILL… really, your statement is ridiculous! Hopefully, you do not have children. If so, I pitty them if you over analyze everything to this extent! You are in for some rude awakenings in life if you continue to take everything so literally.

I think she was just trying to say that there are more options if you use your own fabric rather than buying from a store, and that the gender-specific boys items are even more-so limited. It’s not to read too much into, I think. Perhaps you were just having a bad day?

I made this crib sheet tonight. Wow! Easiest project ever, and my son’s crib looks so good! Thanks Dana for another amazing tutorial! I have already made a few things off your site for my third baby (due in two weeks). Also, the comment above mine just makes me laugh. I would never use a crib sheet with teddy bears, boy or girl. Cannot believe what was clearly an opinion/joke came off so offensive. Regardless, I LOVE your blog. So excited you are celebrating baby this month, although my baby project to do list keeps growing. Congrats on your darling daughter!

Dana, just had to say thanks! Crib sheets have been on my sewing bucket list for about 5 years. Tonight my husband and I finally put together our daughters new toddler bed (and by new, I mean it’s been an ongoing project for one and a half YEARS lol) which means I finally had a reason to make some new sheets. I bought the fabric last winter but just tonight made the first one – I LOVE IT! I’m so glad it really was as easy as you made it look (as if I should be surprised by that!). I’m off to the store tomorrow to by more elastic to make at least two more sheets (maybe three) to go in her new room! THANKS THANKS THANKS!!

My daughter just changed my grand daughters crib to a toddler bed and what a better way to try this out , and if it doesn’t come4 out right the fabric wont be wasted I’ll just cut it up and add it into one of my quilts . Thanks for the great idea ,

I actually did this myself a few months ago before I even saw your blog post. I however made mine from a twin flat sheet I bought at a thrift store. I made two fitted crib sheets from one twin flat, but my dimensions were the tiniest bit smaller in order to get two out.

I was looking also at this. I actually measured, from the screen…..the fold looks like 1/2 “, the foots’ measurement (looks like a basic straight stitch foot) The instruction say, if you do not surge, fold over 1/4 and hem. Well-its a tight fit if you fold over raw edge. My sewing shop lady with her $$$ machines also agrees with me-zig zag/overcast raw edges, yeah-its alot- than fold over the 1/2 “.

Let me clarify….If you have serged the edge, then simply fold it under 1/2 inch and sew the casing. If you have not serged, then fold the raw edge under 1/4 inch, iron, then fold under another 1/2 inch, iron, and sew the casing.

This is exactly the question I had. Was confused by the tutorial and didn’t want my unserged edges to ravel when washed. Can I recommend updating the tutorial to make this more clear? Because other than this confusion I think your crib sheet tutorial is the best. :]

I think if you’re folding over a raw edge it also needs to be 1/2″. I’ve made two of these and 1/4″ gives you no wiggle room with trying to get a 1/4″ piece of elastic through, even with a straight stitch.

58) Jen

Thanks for the tutorial! I made two sheets last night and came up with a HUGE timesaver for running the elastic through the casing. Take the elastic and safety pin it to the back end of a plastic straw, and then run the straw through the casing pullng the elastic behind. I did that on the second sheet–It worked great and went a lot faster than the first one!

Thanks for the great idea with the straw, The elastic always takes the longest amount of time!! I will try is!! I love the tutorial, I am also going to try to make sheet s for the pack and play, using the same idea!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this idea ! I’ve made SOOOOO many crib sheets over the years ~ wish I would’ve had this time saver back then…….. will surely keep this in mind when I have the privilege of having some great grandbabies !!!!!!!

ok your instructions sound like to me that you make a casing that goes around the entire sheet but your finished picture of a sheet looks like you only made a casing to accomodate elastic at 2 corners and then the other 2 corners, I must be seeing this wrong.

I used to do a lot of stretch sewing (bathing suits, etc.) and instead of making a casing the sheet I would serge the edge, zigzag elastic on to the wrong side while stretching it, and then turn the edge under and zigzag around the whole edge again. Very simple and fast! I also just recently used the same technique on the corners of an old Queen size sheet where the elastic had given out.

Do you think I could modify this to make the ‘bumperless’ sheets that skip hop is selling? Thinking cut the corners – then cut the ‘sides’ off – (I’d make two at a time) – swap the ‘sides’ and sew them on with piping around the seam – then follow through? That would make the sides a different pattern (like a bumper but not) Does that make sense? (guess I’d have to be really careful about length but that shouldn’t be an issue)

Great tutorial. Easy to do. Just made some for my new grandson and they not only fit,I get to choose the color and pattern of the fabric. I saw other tutorials, but, yours was the BEST. Thanks a million.

I just love this tutorial! My daughter is disabled and she has a bed in a odd shape (120 cm wide and 160 cm long) It’s impossible to get fitting sheets for the mattress. This tutorial makes it possible for me to sew a fitting girlish sheet for the ugly hospital green matress. Thank You!!!

I made these sheets 28 years ago for my daughter, and am making them again for my up-coming grandchild. Thank you for this, I didn’t know where to find the measurements. KYLIE- Measure the size of the mattress top, length by width, and the depth. I don’t know what the size of a mini crib, but… pretend the length is 36″, width is 24″, and depth is 3″. Take the length, add 2x (the depth plus 2 and a half inches.)This gives you the total length of fabric needed. example: 36 plus 2x(3 + 2 1/2)= 36+ 2x 5 1/2= 36+ 11= 47″ Do the same for the width. example: 24+ 2x(3+2 1/2)= 24+11=35″ Using these numbers, your fabric will be 47″ x 35″. The size of the square that you cut from the corners will be: depth 3″ plus 2 1/2″, (5 1/2″) minus 1/2″ for seam allowance. So you’d cut 5″ x 5″. Follow the rest of the tutorial. This method can be used for any sized bed, I’d just make the 2 1/2″ measurement bigger, like 6 1/2″ because this is what will keep your sheet on the mattress. MONSTER MOMMY- This should work for you too. Hope this is helpful, happy sewing.

Yes, I always pre-wash cottons. But don’t get too hung up on the 45 inches. If it’s 44 or 43 1/2 you’re still going to be fine. It’ll just be a bit more snug. I’ve made them from standard “45 inch wide” fabric and it works great!

Just made my first one of these last nigh and it turned out great! $2 for a remnant at the thrift store and I’ve got a unique little sheet for baby when he comes. Oddly enough, the seersucker I found is the exact same pattern as the red in your tutorial, only in a pale blue & white. Thanks for the wonderful tutorial! 🙂

Dana you are wonderfull!!!! … I’m going to make quite a few for my grand daughter(first time grandma.. hahahaha), she will be born on January 2013. and I’m not an expert sewer, guess I consider myself a novice but your tutorial are so easy to follow. I appreciate for all your time you take for posting all these tutorial.. you make a difference!!! many blessing!!!!

OMG! I love this! I didn’t know they would be that easy! I have painted my daughters toddler bed that she is about to go in because it was a hand me down that looked pretty rough! Well I didn’t think before hand about having to find sheets that match! I have been wanting to make them but was intimidated! Thanks so much!

hi, i want to make a fleece sheet as they are cheap at the moment. just wanted to know if i have to alter any of the measurements for it? my son LOVES toy story so thinking about buying and making him one so it can come out cheaper then the store one which is like $40-$60. i am a beginner and really enjoying my sewing hobby.

This is PERFECT! My daughters crib converts in to a non-traditional size toddler bed – 28″x64″ (not the normal 28″x52″) because of an extra mattress piece to cover where stack drawers were attached for the crib. It is impossible to find store sheets in this size, so I have been using toddler sheets, and a matching pillow case over the “extra” part of the mattress. Now I can convert the measurements and make her sheets that actually fit her bed!!!

I love flannel sheets and decided that flannel crib sheets would be so soft and cozy for my new grandson. Prewash and press the fabric – it is so much easier to work with. I like to cut my crib sheets 69-70″ long, leaving the selvedges plain. I cut an 8 1/2″ square out of each corner then sew the corners together, serging the edges to finish. I only put elastic on the ends. Instead of folding edges over and stitching them down, I use purchased extra wide double fold bias tape. I cut a 40″ piece for each end. Stitch these pieces on the ends, run 1/4″ (about a 30 – 36″ piece, depending on how stretchy it is) elastic through the casing that the bias tape creates, stitching the elastic securely at each end of the casing. If you have all of your fabric washed and pressed, you can cut all the sheets out you intend to make and ‘chain’ sew several in a day. These fit well, wash well, and I made all of his sheets in coordinating fabrics to the crib quilt I made. Two years later, they still look like new.

Pheww! My fabric was too narrow, and I despaired at first. I wasn’t thinking about adding a bit of extra fabric to the sides to make it the right width. But then I noticed others had the same problem and did just that! I am so excited to make some fun, vintage cowpoke printed sheets for my little Henry. Thanks so much for this great tutorial! It’s super easy to follow.

i too am very new to sewing and i found this to be a wonderful, easy, satisfying project!! it truly opens the door to endless nursery bedding possibilities and you can make a million of them in no time at all. i timed myself and from start to finish, and it only took me 1 hour and 30 min. SO EASY!

Great tutorial. For those of you who take things literally-most fabric is not 45 inches wide any more or at least it isn’t where I buy my fabric. Don’t worry though, fabric that is only 41 or 42 inches wide will still work.

* Take the two sides of one corner and bring right sides together. Pin them and sew down the side. This is creating a “pocket” of sorts, to go around the corners of the mattress. Do this to all four corners of the sheet:

Which sides together and which sides sewn? Maybe you could upload a picture? There’s not really a clear photo on what’s happening here. Thanks.

Answering in case you’re still stumped or another reader is, even though you posted this question almost a year ago… The squares that you cut out of the corners give you two sides that have been cut into the fabric. Where you cut the fabric to remove those squares is where you sew together. Or let me try another explanation in case that one doesn’t make sense: if the fabric was stiff, like paper, you would folding up the tabs on each side to make a kind of box, and sewing it in place that way.

Thank you so much for this great tutorial! I purchased a beautiful used nursery set from a friend and the only down side is that there was only ONE sheet with the set and the design had been discontinued. When I found your tutorial I set out for the perfect coordinating fabric and went to work. So easy, I could hardly believe it when the sheet actually fit perfectly on her mattress!

Wow. I just had a “smack my forehead with my palm” moment when I found this post. Of COURSE I don’t need to settle for whatever they have in stores! I’m a newbie at sewing, but after reading your tutorial I feel confident that this project is not beyond my skills. I suddenly have the urge to break out my sewing machine and get to work! Thank you for the nudge with such a great tutorial!

I’ve done that! It works beautifully as long as you quilt carefully and don’t try to squeeze the seam allowance like I did the first time. My first one fell apart in the wash because of my shoddy sewing! I bought 5 yards each of two coordinating fabrics (actually 7 of the one I used for the quilt backing) and made fitted sheets, top sheets (it was for a toddler bed), and a pillow case for each set, then used the rest for the quilted part – but I would probably get an extra yard of each just to make sure you have plenty. You can always use extra fabric for matching things in the room, like covered lampshades or wall decor.

I have followed this tutorial twice and loved it. My only suggestion is when you iron down your “casing”, to make it more like 1/2″ than 1/4″. With only 1/4″ it’s hard to get the elastic through, especially using a safety pin (even a small one). It’s also difficult to sew down because you have no wiggle room. Making the casing more like 1/2″ makes it much easier!

In the tutorial I have one suggestion, after folding into fourths you say to cut the corners. If it is folded you would be cutting holes into the middle of the sheet, can you correct it to say to cut the corner of the side with four loose unconnected layers? If there are more people out there like me who have trouble with written directions, this can really make a big difference in understanding.

Thank you SO much for this tutorial! I was able to knock out the crib sheet in about 30 minutes and didn’t have any issues whatsoever using “regular” fabric! Can’t wait for my new squish to arrive so I can take his picture in his cute cute bedding! 🙂http://www.ourmijos.com/2013/04/22/catching-up/

Broadcloth is more stiff because it’s typically a polyester/cotton blend. So I would stick with 100% cotton. Look in the muslin/white section of your fabric store and find a white cotton that you like. The range of quality and price is all over the place so feel it, look at the details, and look at the width! Sometimes muslin is sold only 33 inches wider or smaller.

Just found your instructions on sewing crib sheets. I am sewing mini-crib sheets for my new Grandson. Do not have the mattress here to fit the finished project properly. Need info on how to measure for the elastic. The mini crib measures 37L x 23 1/2w x 5 inch corners. Any advice? Thanks

Thank you so much for the directions! Whipped one out today and am so excited to make the rest of the bedding for the crib! Would have done this years ago for the first two boys but glad to have found it for the third as we had given everything away and I did not want to go out and buy all new stuff. Much more fun to make it!

Thank you so much for this. Do you mind if I link this tutorial to my blog simply kids’ clothing? I finally finished the one I started a month or so ago. I love it so much and can’t wait to give as a baby gift. It will go so well with her bedding set we found at Just Between Friends consignment shop. Anyway thanks again.

I’m so very thankful for this tutorial. I am pregnant with my first child and am looking for ways to be stylish yet frugal. I received a sewing machine last Christmas and have yet to use it. Sounds like this will be a fairly easy project to try. Thank you for taking the time to share this with the rest of us. I’m going to buy fabric in the upcoming weeks and go from there. 🙂

So I’m kind of a “do it yourself”-er but my sister in law is not. So she asked if I would make a spiderman fitted sheet for her baby’s crib to match the sheet she had for her toddler’s bed. I googled how to make it and your blog popped up. These directions couldn’t have been any easier and then sheet turned out perfect! Thank you!

I love this tutorial! I’ve already made one sheet for my two year old Grandson’s racecar toddler bed using the instructions from your site. It worked perfectly! Recently, I bought a used twin size sheet with Toy Story characters on it at a yard sale for $1 and I plan on resizing and sewing it today. Another inexpensive place to find sheets and fabric for this project is at thrift stores. Now, I can make him “big boy” fitted sheets for little cost! Thank you!

I am making the sheets for my two year old grandson. one Thomas the train, one Spider man his favorite super hero and one dragons. Ready to put the elastic in now. I will be giving him these for his 2nd birthday in Aug. Thanks for the tutorial.

Hi Gals, I am so glad to see the younger generation getting back to the basics. I am making crib sheets for my grandson who is due in Oct. I made them for my granddaughter who just turn 14. Crib sheets are the easiest craft to make and you can be as creative as you like and not have to choose teddy bears or pink hearts. You go girls. Nana in Georgia

This is a wonderful tutorial. Why did I not think of this for my own babies. I made this for a grandson due in Oct. I prewashed my fabric and it shrunk quite a bit. I think I ended up with 42 inches. Keeping my fingers crossed that it will fit. Wish I had a mattress here to try it on. Thanks for your time posting this pattern.

Thanks a lot for the measurements. I made sheets in the past for grandchildren but lost the exact measurements. When I made mine I just zigzagged the raw edges and left the selvages, sewed up the corners and made the casing, don’t know exactly how long my elastic was, just made it look right. I love the elastic all the way around because little ones tend to pull up the sides of the ones that only have elastic on the ends. Thanks again for your help.

Almost all flannels come in 42″ widths, which I would love to use. Your pattern is 45″ wide — but mathematically seems like there might be some leeway . . . Before I waste my time, and fabric — can I squeak by with a 42″ flannel?

you can also add some fabric to the sides instead of cutting out the corners, if you want to make sure there’s no mattress peeking through. The ones I’ve made with flannel tend to show a little at the bottom so I’m considering this for my next set. I adore flannel sheets.

Great tutorial, and I love having the measurements handy. You can make this even simpler if you serge the edges all around and then apply 1/2″ elastic directly to the wrong side of the fabric. Start at one corner and stretch the elastic quite a bit as you zigzag it on all around the edge (or just on the corners if you prefer). Once you’ve done that, fold it under again to the wrong side (no need to iron it) and stretch and zigzag again for a more finished look. I used this technique to make a bassinet sheet too (more of an oval).

I am SO going to do this! We are expecting out first little one in January. =] I just had my baby shower this past weekend and I got really lucky in the sense that I scored most of my bigger ticket items – baby swing, monitor, stroller, car seat, high chair, etc. BUT I didn’t get any of the little stuff. (I am NOT complaining though!) I just have a quick question about the tutorial… I’m more of a visual person and I don’t want to mess anything up here. When you say fold in fours do you mean once hot dog style and then once hamburger style? And you say fold the corners right sides together but it looks like the picture is wrong sides together… help please?! Thank you!

Hey there–I saw this on Pinterest and wanted to add my 2 cents. I used to make my own sheets when my children were small, another thing I would add is quilted fabric to the underneath “top” to act as a mattress pad. I got sooo tired of changing sheets in the middle of the night, etc. and having to deal with a mattress pad, too. Blessings, Kim

I made one of these this morning out of fleece. It was super easy since I didn’t need to fold/iron all the edges due to the nature of fleece not having a raw/unraveling edge. This tutorial was GREAT! It was very easy and I finished in less than an hour and it fits perfectly. Thank you!!!!! This tutorial saved me a ton of money and now my boy will be warm and snug in the cool nights.

Thank you for making my Sunday afternoon project so simple. Who knew making a fitted sheet for a crib could be so simple and professional looking. Followed your directions completely and am very proud of my finished product.

This comment is directed to Amzoni, simply use the dimensions given but cut out an 8 1/2 inch square and it will fit the crib mattress that is only an inch smaller in length and breadth than the mattress in the tutorial.

Hello there! I used this tutorial yesterday to make some new crib sheets for my nephew and it worked PERFECTLY!! I was worried at first because the fabric I was using was only 43″ wide instead of 45″ but since the selvages weren’t at risk of unraveling I just ironed the fabric down 1/4 inch and sewed them down. The sheet fit perfectly and I’m so excited to give them to him for his birthday! Thanks so much

hey! i was wondering how long it will take to make a 46by39 quilt. i bought the top fabric at Walmart that looks like little squares sewed together. All I need to do is sew the back on and sew it all together. I need it in 3 days, and i want to know how long it will take. Please answer! Thanks!

About to make some crib sheets from a large duvet cover my daughter bought on ebay. I have made many sheets over the years, but since this is my last grandchild it has been a while so I thought I would check out some web ideas. IMO, this is the most clear and user friendly. I don’t like the video instructions, too much trouble to go back and forth if you forget something (at my age, this is more than likely) or if you have to stop and go back, (another likelyhood since I babysit my three grandsons, ages 2, almost 3 and almost 5). Another thing I just wanted to comment on was the green, orange, yellow, etc. plaid sheet. When I saw it I thought it looked just like mixed vegetables! Loved them all, Thanks~

As a mom of 5, mostly grown children, and now with two grandchildren, I have made MANY flannel crib sheets for my family. They are also my favorite baby shower gift to give and are always appreciated. If you find your flannel on sale, these are very inexpensive and are so much nicer than pre-made flannel crib sheets that you buy. I also bought flat sheets at thrift stores and made crib sheets for my first baby, back in the day when I was a broke single mom. They worked great. The elastic around the entire edge ensures that they stay on through the night, with even the most active baby. I just use the 2 yards flannel (wash before cutting) and 2 yards elastic formula, with an 8 inch corner square. Works every time. Thanks Dana!

I am going to try this crib sheet version. I love all your pictures. You are right, there are SO many options for boys! I love your ideas! I originally made a crib sheet with 4- 12″ pieces of elastic and simply sewed, while pulling them on each corner… This version looks much more professional. Thanks!

I’m trying to sew a fitted crib sheet, but want to take the squares cut from the corners of the fabric and use them instead of elastic, which now makes it fitted. I know you fold them , so they are a triangel not square when folded. any ideas

I am grateful for your tutorial (oh, so grateful) but I am using 42″ flannel – already washed. I see where you have used 42″ fabric before and that it will work – just a bit more snug. Should I add a couple inches to the long sides only to make it fit better, or should I also add to the short ends as well, in order to make it fit better overall.

I’m having a hard time. I want to make crib sheets for my great-grandson, only I don’t really sew. I’m wondering why is the material 45 inches if the mattress for the bed is only 27 inches wide? Thanks to Joanns the 45 inch material I bought ended up 41.5 inches wide after trimming off the salvage and washing it. Can i still use it at that width?

Oh my goodness Dana, I needed this tutorial so badly! Because our crib sheets have been through both kids, I’ve bleached the heck out of them, so they’re all white now. Although I love the durability of the vinyl crib mattress, I hate the crunchiness and coldness of it. Even with our jersey and flannel crib sheets on it, it still feels cool and hard in the winter. I’ve searched everywhere for quilted (padded) crib sheets and can only find them for portable cribs / pack n plays. My daughter is now in a toddler bed and I’ve been looking at quilted fabrics to try to make her a fitted crib sheet and assumed I’d be figuring it out on my own! So so glad to come across this! I always love your projects!

You make this look so easy, I am looking for some fabric today and getting started on some sheets for my little one. My machine won’t zig zag stitch (seems to be stuck). Can I just maybe do a straight stitch or is the zig zag crucial? Or……Maybe a double straight stitch?

What a great tutorial and feedback (except the crazy who complained about the bear comment LOL!) I’ve read thru the comments and didn’t see this asked (maybe it’s a silly question?) but I was wondering, how would I make a coordinating flat sheet? I’m sure it’s simple but I’m BRAND NEW to sewing and could use any advice. Thanks!

Thank you for putting together this ‘tut. I followed it and have small suggestion. Where you say to fold the fabric (cut to size) in fourths, then cut the corners, you might want to specify to only cut two corners! I dutifully cut all four and ended up with a sheet with two perfect 8 by 16 rectangles cut out on the long edge. Just when you think you’ve completely idiot proofed something, along comes a bigger idiot!

Thank you for this wonderful tutorial! (*actually, Thank You for ALL your wonderful tutorials and patterns*) I’ve stitched up a few of these as toddler bed/crib sheets, and I’m wanting to make some up for our travel cots. Can I ask what the math is to figure the elastic needed? My measurements for the cot are much narrower and shorter than the average crib/toddler bed mattress, so I fear it must differ greatly in the elastic around also?

Great tutorial…..I have been sewing off and on for 45 years and this was so very helpful. I had not been able to make a sheet for my new grandson’s PacknPlay. My fabric is currently pinned in place as I was not able to figure out how to sew the sheet on my own after several attempts. I will be working on the sheet tomorrow and others as well!

I’ve been making these for a few years now for my ggk’s,and am in the process of making 4 more.I’m also making receiving blankets,burp pads etc.Let’s see if photobucket will cooperate so i can share some pictures..

First: I’m from Holland so pardon my English.I’m a beginner in sewing but I would like to make sheets around my campercushions. This tutorial helpt me a lot, but I’ m not shure about the size of the fabric I have to cut off in the corners. Concrete: the size of the cushion is: 188 cm length, 54 cm deep and 10 cm thick. How much fabric do I need? I hope you can Antwerpen my question!

I absolutley love this turtorial!! With the pillow case one and the baby blanket one I am able to make my daughter and son their sheet (fortunately they are still in cribs) so fabric sizes is easy to fine. I would like to see how I would be able to make a queen size fitted mattress sheet with regular fabric so we can match. Also requesting a tutorial for a pack and play fitted sheet. Know it’s similar as the crib but I like to know dememsions…thank you

Unfortunately, it’s hard to find fabric that’s wide enough to make Twin size bed sheets (or larger) without having to piece two pieces of fabric together….which is why I just stick with sewing crib and toddler sheets. There are tons of cute twin sheet set options out there in stores! But not as many baby sheet options.

So glad I found this post, even if it is an old one. Hey everyone, if you sew, you should be able to do basic math, for any size mattress. Mattress dimensions plus depth-times-2 each direction. Now that someone has put directions for the corners and elastic its easy-peasy. Thanks so much. I spent good money on good flannel sheets for queen bed. I live in Southern California but sleep in flannel year round. I have lots of left over top sheets from sets where the fitted sheets wore out. Now I can re-purpose some of them to fitted sheets. Thanks so much for your post and sharing this information. August 2017

Hi there, I just made a sheet. How simple is it?! I wish I’d made some for my elder two. My aunt gave me some flannellette fabric when our youngest was born and it’s a touch narrow so I left the sealvedges on. I didn’t bother zigzagging those edges, just the short edges so it made it even quicker. Thank you for a simple, clear and useful tutorial.

Hi Tina, Yes. When working with cotton fabrics, it’s best to pre-wash/dry so your item doesn’t shrink after you make it. But that being said…in this particular project, you’re at the mercy of how wide cotton fabric typically comes…which is about 42-44 inches wide. Soooo….regardless of whether you pre-wash and if the fabric shrinks, you still have to use the width of that fabric to make this particular project. So in this instance it probably doesn’t matter! Haha. That will make more sense once you start cutting things out 🙂

Hi, is there a rule of thumb to follow when calculating the squares to cut out from the corners (your 8×8″ sections is what I’m talking about). For example, if I had a 7″ thick mattress, would I cut out 10″x10″ or 11″ x 11″ ….? I assume there’s some formula to ensure there is enough material to wrap underneath and hold properly, but I can’t find an explanation of how you arrived at the 8″ for your project. Thank you – I do love your videos.